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Still beautiful in its own right. I first learned of Hinulugang Taktak from Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) textbooks back in grade school. From what I remember it was a popular place where people can actually bathe and swim. There's even a folk song called Tayo na sa Antipolo (Let's Go to Antipolo) where this waterfall is prominently featured in its lyrics. Too bad I've never seen Hinulugang Taktak during its glory days because as urbanization spread, houses and establishments gradually inched closer towards the waterfall and the waterways that feed it, dumping sewage and garbage in the process. Sad, I know, considering the place is declared a national park.

Read:  [Part 1: Talay Falls and Hidden Falls] This is the last of two parts. A closeup of the upper part of Hulugan Falls. After sweating it out to get to Talay Falls and Hidden Falls , we were ready to see the pride of San Salvador, Luisiana--the more than 200-foot high Hulugan Falls . The trek We traced our way back to about a quarter of the trail to the first two waterfalls and came back to a clearing before diverting to a different route. The clearing is said to be a camping ground for those who wish to stay overnight. According to the barangay captain, they purposely designated a campsite that was far enough from the falls to prevent littering as well as for safety reasons. The trail took us through gigantic pandan  (screwpine) plants that are several feet tall. Or should I call them trees already because of their height? The pandan I know are much smaller, so seeing this variety was a pleasant surprise. Pandan, by the way, is one of Luisiana's agricultura...

The beauteous Hidden Falls in San Salvador, Luisiana, Laguna. I've been to at least two waterfalls in South Cebu this summer: the crowded but really beautiful Kawasan Falls in Badian and the super fun, multi-tier Aguinid Falls in Samboan . Those two trips were really calculated for fear that I might end up with another "episode" as a result of too much physical activity and dehydration. But after making it through with no fever at all, we geared up for yet another waterfall trip, this time in nearby Laguna. The more than 200-feet high  Hulugan Falls was our prime target, which was, based on what we've read, accessible via a relatively short (around 30 minutes) but very steep and difficult downhill trek. And then you have to go back up. But there was another option, a longer but supposedly much easier trail that will take you through two more waterfalls-- Talay Falls and Hidden Falls --before getting to the big one. Banking on "easier," we chose t...

Frosty hand. Samboan in South Cebu is blessed with a number of waterfalls. I wanted to see them all, or two of them at least, but concerns over my medical condition forced us to pick just one. And we ended up with the town's most popular and most accessible, Aguinid Falls .

Goofing just a bit by the waterfall. Another day, another waterfall. Another outfit, of course. And because I was trying to veer away from my default t-shirt or tank top when going on trips like this, it was another buttoned shirt and swim shorts combo for me then.

Top view of Kawasan Falls and its majestic pool. I've spent my college years in Cebu City and it's a shame that I've never been to Kawasan Falls . One of Cebu province's better known and most visited tourist attractions, Kawasan is a three-tiered waterfall located in Badian , some 130 km southwest of Cebu City, or about 3 hours by bus. I've always been meaning to visit the place, and finally I've made that trip last month--nearly 20 years after. The trek to the falls starts right next to a church by the highway where dozens of vehicles shuttling visitors are parked. The trail is very well-established that you really won't need a guide, although there will always be someone or a small group who will offer you their services.

When going on trips to the beach or any place that involves swimming, I often reach for tank tops and t-shirts to go with my swim shorts. On our recent trip to Cebu , however, I made a conscious effort to also try buttoned shirts. So here I was sporting a long-sleeved shirt--sleeves rolled up--while enjoying the Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu . It's a blue on blue swimwear ensemble : light-hued top and dark-colored shorts, plain vs printed. And oh, even the sandals I was wearing were blue! Hmm...the dry bag, too.

This intense summer heat always has me thinking of the beach, air conditioning, and water. Back in 2002 I had the chance to see the famed Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City. It was one of those "famous" tourist spots in the country that I only got to see and read about in Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) textbooks in grade school. And of course I was glad to have seen it for real.

With summer just around the corner and with everyone planning vacations, this Throwback Thursdays post is dedicated to travel. Yes, that's me. Apparently I had this propensity for goofing around a lot in photos before. Well, I still make faces at times but not that much anymore. Call it old age or whatever. Anyway, I just want to show you that I was (and more so now) also capable of playing it serious:

See related posts: Backpacking in Siquijor Kiwi Dive Resort: Where 'The Backpacker' stayed in Siquijor To most Filipinos, Siquijor is usually associated with shamans, potions and whatnot, and wrongfully with aswang and such mythical creatures. Those who know better, however, regard the island province for its white sand beaches and excellent dive sites. But what else is in Siquijor? I'll attempt to answer that by going on a day-long motorbike ride around the island and with my driver/guide Matt, sample the many sights that Siquijor has to offer. Sandugan Beach Found north of Larena town, this was where I set base for my backpacking trip . It's a quiet strip with only three resorts (although there's one more far up north), some mangroves, and a couple of fisher folk. It faces West, so it's the perfect spot to watch the sun dive into the horizon. Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Bell Tower Located right at the heart of Siquijor town, it...